Loretto Community members residing at awardwinning Infirmary have mission to pray for all
J
oy Jensen SL lives in Loretto’s Infirmary at the Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She tells us that, while the coronavirus period has been difficult, Infirmary staff have worked diligently to keep residents healthy and to make up for the lack of social gatherings and family visits. Pauline Albin SL says, “The staff in every department have been wonderful in their services and care under Michelle Essex’s leadership.” Michelle serves as the Loretto Motherhouse Infirmary administrator, working assiduously to follow state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and to look after residents’ physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Naturally, the experience has varied by individual. Evelyn Houlihan SL compared life during the pandemic to “living in an aquarium with people looking in, but not being able to communicate.” Sylvia Sedillo SL says, “It is a time of peace and joy, and one where creativity has manifested itself in many ways. We are finding ways for how we can communicate with Zoom.” Residents have knitted, crocheted, put together puzzles, delved into books and prayed. Joy says Loretto Community members in the Infirmary have lived as anchoresses in their rooms, as Julian of Norwich lived as an anchoress during the Black Plague in Medieval England. These Community members have undertaken “the mission to pray for all people.” Every one of us has benefited from this commitment. Thank you, Michelle and Infirmary staff, for your excellent care. Thank you, Loretto Infirmary residents, for your prayers! With thanks to Joy Jensen SL
Used by permission of Lebanon Enterprise, Lebanon, Ky.
Summer 2021 • 15
